We know how it is. Christmas is now a distant memory, the weather has turned bitter, and payday has never seemed so far away. January has a reputation for being the most solemn month of the year – but this year you can be one step ahead with these five ways in which you can keep those blues at bay.
Practising Gratitude
January can be a tight month when it comes to money – and for many of us, cheering ourselves up often involves delving into our wallets. However, activities such as practising gratitude are the perfect way to give us our happiness back all while saving the pennies.
There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude this January. You may want small reminders such as phone lock screen affirmations to keep you in check when it comes to your mental well-being. Or, if you’re looking for something more tactile, you could write down your gratitude each day. Spend this month noticing and appreciating the things that make you happy and take the time to jot them down or thank someone for them.
Whether they be big or small, being grateful for the things that make you happy in life goes a long way to keeping your January blues from overwhelming you this month.
Look after number one
Taking the time to care for yourself is a foolproof way to bring the smile back to your face – and it doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Set yourself a treat for each day in January – whether it be half an hour to yourself with a new book, a bubble bath, and facemask, or simply a coffee from your favourite shop – to cheer up this miserable time of year. Taking the time to listen to yourself and your needs each day, and creating a positive atmosphere with something to look forward to, is a beautiful way to beat the blues – and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny.
Random acts of kindness
While treating yourself is a lovely way to beat the blues this January, it’s true that making others happy has the same effect.
This year, why not give a little in order to gain those positive vibes every day through a random act of kindness? A fun way to keep on track with this is to fill a bowl with a selection of random acts of kindness (think things like ‘pay someone a compliment’ and ‘bring someone their favourite drink’) and pick one out each day.
The look of gratitude on each person’s face as you make their day will be worth its weight in gold and make yours (and somebody else’s) January that little bit more bearable this year.
Learning a new skill
Ever wanted to learn how to knit? Maybe learn how to make a beef wellington? The world is full of skills and past times that we may never have tried (even though we might want to!) and this January might be your opportunity to finally get the practise in.
This January, why not kill two birds with one stone and beat those blues whilst mastering a new skill?
With Youtube and wikiHow at your fingertips, no skill is beyond your capabilities – and it could be the perfect antidote for that yearly January sadness. So, get your thinking cap on and bag a new skill to kickstart your year.
Get the blood pumping
It’s that time of year when the same old chorus of ‘new year, new me’ rings out on every social media platform (followed by the yearly trebling of gym memberships). But, it’s also a well-documented fact that physical activity is the perfect way to combat those January blues while also doing something that benefits you.
You don’t need a gym membership in order to take the plunge – simply take a brisk walk with the dog, or go for an early morning run to get the blood pumping and circulate those well-needed endorphins to bat away that January sadness.
Getting your pulse raised has a whole host of well-being benefits – from suppressing hormones that cause stress and anxiety, plus the bonus of feeling and looking good in the skin you’re in – get your running shoes on and pound the pavement to keep your mind and body healthy and happy this January.
Who to donate to this January
At easyfundraising, we have a fantastic range of causes that help those struggling not only in January but all year round.
If you are in need of help or are looking for a worthwhile cause to donate to this new year, why not check out the Mental Health Foundation, Parenting Mental Health, or Change Mental Health. All these charities work to raise awareness and combat mental health issues in society – a worthy cause no matter the month.